The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo featured drone effects for the first time in its 75-year history during Friday’s opening performance. Working with award-winning drone specialists AeroAVA, the Tattoo pioneered this new form of creative expression that seamlessly integrated cutting-edge technology with traditional performance artistry.
The creative brief centred on recognising 75 years of tradition while looking forward to the next 75 years, embodied by a young piper who carried the torch forward into the future.
The show’s breathtaking climax featured 100 drones forming the number 75 approximately 50-60 metres above Edinburgh Castle, synchronised with pyrotechnics and full audience engagement. Beginning with a young female piper pointing an illuminated torch skyward, the drones responded by revealing the anniversary motif, then rotating 360 degrees so the entire city could witness the historic milestone.
Additional sequences throughout the display honoured military heritage and Scottish identity through formations depicting military symbols, the Victoria Cross, musical representations, and Scottish symbolism including a striking thistle formation representing how Scottish values spread across the world.
Perhaps the evening’s most enchanting surprise was the Ball of Light effect, affectionately nicknamed ‘Tinkerbell’ by production. In a moment that left audiences audibly gasping, the narrator appeared to conjure a glowing orb of light in his hand. As he stepped back, the light remained mysteriously hovering in place – then, at his gesture, it soared rapidly into the night sky before vanishing from view, symbolising 900 years of human spirit, ideas, inspiration and progress.
This intimate effect required creativity and engineering to create the magical illusion while meeting stringent safety requirements in close proximity to performers and the audience. The moment perfectly captured the wonder of combining ancient storytelling traditions with modern technology.
Flying drones above Edinburgh Castle presented unique challenges. The team operated in one of Scotland’s most restrictive environments, with changeable weather, cast and audience in close proximity, while maintaining split-second timing with live performance elements.
“We see things differently,” explained Tom Rees, Managing Director of AeroAVA. “While drone display technology is evolving fast, our approach is focused on combining flight resilience, safety and creative boundary pushing. These drone effects served the story, not the other way around, and our job is to deliver them to be efficient, reliable and creative.”
During each show, AeroAVA simultaneously delivered a unique flying light prop, a 100-drone display triggered in timecode, and captured professional aerial footage for BBC broadcasting purposes – demonstrating sophisticated operational expertise across multiple disciplines.
“For this year’s 75th Anniversary of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, we wanted to deliver not only something unique for the show but also give something to the whole City as part of Edinburgh’s 900-year celebrations,” noted Harry Guthrie, Production Director. “The Tattoo is a unique event with unpredictable weather conditions, direct to a national monument and with a daily audience of 9,000 – everything must work perfectly every single night. AeroAVA went above and beyond to ensure exceptional collaboration.”
The drone effects are planned to feature in every night performance throughout the Tattoo’s run, however audiences should be aware that these sequences are subject to weather conditions. A comprehensive contingency plan has been prepared and rehearsed to ensure the show’s narrative is maintained should weather require drone elements to be cancelled for safety reasons.
As the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo celebrated 75 years of tradition, the integration of drone effects represented more than technological advancement – it embodied the event’s commitment to evolving while honouring its heritage. The collaboration demonstrated how innovative partnerships can overcome regulatory challenges and create new forms of artistic expression.
The 2025 Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo will be remembered as the year when Scotland’s most iconic performance literally reached new heights, proving that tradition and innovation can dance together in perfect harmony above the ramparts of Edinburgh Castle.
